Elmer Danilovich

HE6 mods and system synergy take quite a bit of time and testing to dial-in well for any given particular taste. It's a fickle headphone to work with and won't sound as good as a lot of other stuff out there just plugged into whatever you have around. Some could argue the investment of time and attention isn't worth it unless you know what sound you're going for.

Well I had a modded HE 4 I LOVED, and I own an HE 560 [pad swap an silver cable] that I enjoy. So as some one who has and likes Hifiman Sound to an extent, I imagine the mods are what's needed to remove the faults I can't quite look past. Pad Swaps help a lot apparently

An to be honest, neither my HE 4 nor my HE 560 have or had stock pads so it's a shame the stock pads seem to hold it back.

For a $400 used headphone, no biggie. On a $1800 new yea pads are a cheap fix but why do I need them to begin with is my view point

Yes, you have been living a lie.

Back when I got the HD 800 I was originally going to get the HD 600. Kinda glad I waited to be honest, I've heard a lot of other Tube & Headphone designs and feel I can appreciate the 600 more so now!

But does it match the faux marble...?

I think it does

"By looking like shit to begin with, how can you deface it?" — Lao Tzu on the HD600

well some one suggested letting me back just to see what'd I'd do Hopefully now all have seen just that, Oh it's almost been a year... how time flies

When in Rome...

I honestly do hope everything turns out well. I think it will.

Yes actually I'm quite enjoying "as the romans do" HD 600 is quite a bit better than I remember. Ever curious to see how it and the crack turn out, oh and what difference the HD 650 cable will make if any

You are so lucky...

I don't know where every one stands but I'm letting it run with white noise atm, HD 650 cable should be here monday and I'll give it a listen then.

I don't buy into "burn in" but some do so I figured I'd better cover my bases before I share my thoughts. Still thanks for the comment!

I guess the stock cable must really be that bad... Senn site has it. Might as well order it now

The stock cable is okay. The HD650 is better quality overall from what I have been told. Sennheiser makes decent cables. I have had dozens of headphones. Never issues with Sennheiser cables.

I'd keep an eye out for pad wear. Stock pads apparently are the best.

Best to frame this statement and hang it above your gear to keep the heebie jeebies away.

... And then he went to the window and looked out into the great big hifi shop that is the universe :)

Multiple exclamation points are a sure sign of insanity ;)

Which is to be expected really, I mean, you're here with us ...

I don't consider a statement to be true if it has fewer than 11 exclamation marks.

“Name?”
“LAWRENCE ATKINS!!!!!!!!!!!”
“Date of birth?”
“OCTOBER 2, 1978888!!!!!!!!!!”
“Sir, that was only 10 exclamation points, I’m gonna need you to be honest with me.”
“Oh ok.. 1975!!!!!!!!!!!”

Unless it's on the same amp and most important headphone as yours tube impressions are pretty useless. If you include the amp at least you might get better answers but there aren't a lot of rollers here.

Excellent point, it's a custom piece so I'll just have to experiment,

Builder does have the 5814a he's happy to include though!

RCA Cleartop or CBS 5814A

Prepare to make your wallet suffer. Once you get seduced by tubetastic sound you want more. Tubes and booze are the best audio tweaks ever.

How do they differ from something like a GE 5Star 6072a

I'd say it's odd that this is more noticeable on speakers than headphones, but I have effectively zero experience with the former anyway.

Pick a reason: Things sound better when played louder, consumer gear (e.g. phones, laptops) can barely drive headphones to decent levels.

I notice it on both but find it more objectionable on headphones.

@Lyer25, "Things sound better when played louder"

That's only half the rule. This is the whole thing:

Louder, /if not already too loud,/ always sounds better.